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Newcastle to Port Macquarie

Completed

The Newcastle to Port Macquarie section provides about 217 kilometres of safer four lane divided road. The upgrade was built in multiple sections with the final project opened to traffic in 2013.

217km
highway upgraded
35min
reduced travel time
126
bridges
15
interchanges
17
rest areas

Project background

The Australian and New South Wales governments funded the upgrade of the 217 kilometre section of the Pacific Highway. 

This highway upgrade was built in multiple sections with the final section opening to traffic in 2013.

A number of towns have been bypassed as part of the Newcastle to Port Macquarie upgrade. Bypassing towns reduces travelling pinch points by diverting the major highway around a town, and takes the flow of 'through' traffic away from the town. Some of the town bypasses for this highway upgrade include Raymond Terrace, Bulahdelah, Taree and Coopernook.

The benefits for these towns has been removing some traffic congestion in the town, reducing noise and vibration and improving road safety, making the town centre more attractive to visitors.

Since opening to traffic this highway upgrade has improved connectivity between coastal towns and regional centres. There has been improved travel efficiency with reduced travel times between Hexham and Port Macquarie estimated to be saving about 30 minutes. The greatest benefit has been the significant reduction in serious and fatal road crashes.

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    Community
    "It's been nine years since I travelled the road and we're amazed at the difference, how much quicker and how much safer it is"

    Project contact

    For further information about this project contact:
    1800 653 092
    pacific.highway@rms.nsw.gov.au

    Documents

    Reports and other project documents about the Newcastle to Port Macquarie upgrade can be found in the document library.
    Document library